Music

Introduction

Music is a successful department who have been described as ‘Outstanding’ in a Music specific inspection by Ofsted in 2011. We are also part of the extremely successful Performing and Visual Arts Faculty.

Approach

As a department we want to encourage as many students as possible to be musically active. We encourage students to perform and compose and be able to critically evaluate the music they listen to. We also aim to make it FUN! We want to give a broad range of musical experiences to students building confidence in performing and hopefully giving them musical memories that will last a lifetime. Our approach is very inclusive which can be seen through the various different courses we offer students to continue with music at KS4 and KS5. We also offer many exciting projects and opportunities for our Gifted and Talented musicians and singers. The Music department staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic and always striving to get the best out of students.

Facilities

We have 3 music specific classrooms 2 of which are equipped with apple iMacs, 34 in total. We have 3 recording areas including a pod based recording studio, a dedicated mixing room and a smaller recording area. Each are acoustically treated and equipped with audio interfaces and studio monitors. We have a wide range of microphones to cover the majority of recording applications. All computers run Logic Pro, Sibelius and GarageBand and 1 classroom has access to Auralia ear training software. As a department we are increasing our use of iPads for both teaching and learning. Students have access to 4 practice rooms, each with a piano, and also a drum room with 2 drum kits. We have a large range of African and Indian instruments as well as keyboards, Brass, Ukuleles and percussion. We also have a series of guitars and amps as well as a number of vintage synthesisers.

Enrichment

As a department we run several extra curricular clubs. These include:

Collegium Orchestra

One Voice Choir

Swing Band

Brass Ensemble

Staff & student Choir & Ukulele Ensemble

Music Theory Club

Production Orchestra

Production Chorus

String Orchestra

Double Bass ensemble.

Rock School Rehearsals

African Drumming

Lunchtime Concerts

Concerts

We put on several concerts and events throughout the year, both in school and in the local area, including:

Revision

The course information below is only an outline of course content / learning objectives and should NOT be used as a guide to the topics for revision purposes. Detailed guidance for revision for this subject can be found as follows: